Looking for a cozy, comfort food dish that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this Creamy Gnocchi with Peas recipe! It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s not only incredibly easy to make but also bursts with fresh, vibrant flavours. Whether you have a busy schedule or simply crave something delightful, this dish promises to satisfy with its creamy texture and a playful pop of peas and lemon zest.
Made with fresh store-bought (or homemade gnocchi) and a handful of pantry staples, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into a creamy, dreamy dinner. Plus, it’s flexible! Whether you have fresh peas from the garden or frozen peas in your freezer, this recipe adapts to what you have on hand. Join me as we whip up a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. Let’s make dinner special tonight with this simple, yet scrumptious creamy gnocchi!
Whip up this fabulous gnocchi dish with just 10 ingredients in less than 30 minutes! It’s the perfect mix of creamy and zesty, for an effortlessly chic meal. You’re going to absolutely love this recipe! It’s:
Quick to Make – ready in less than 30 Minutes!
Super Comforting
Totally Customisable
Feels Fancy
Creamy & Fresh
Essential Ingredients for this Creamy Gnocchi Recipe:
Get ready to whip up this delightful Creamy Gnocchi with Pea & Parmesan, a dish that marries simple ingredients with bold flavours. Here are the essentials you’ll need to make your dish stand out:
Gnocchi: Opt for fresh gnocchi found in the refrigerated aisle for the best texture.
Peas: Fresh peas are wonderful when in season, adding a natural sweetness, but frozen peas are an excellent and convenient alternative.
Parmesan: Choose finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano for its deep, savoury flavour that enhances the creamy sauce.
Crème Fraîche: This brings a rich and tangy element to the dish; you can substitute with heavy cream if necessary.
Lemon: The zest and juice of an organic lemon add a bright, fresh touch, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Chili Flakes: Just a pinch will introduce a subtle heat that complements the other flavours beautifully.
Choosing the Best Gnocchi for Your Dish: Types and Tips
Gnocchi Varieties: Choose from potato, ricotta, or gluten-free gnocchi based on your preference for texture and dietary needs. Potato gnocchi is classic and perfect for absorbing creamy sauces, while ricotta offers a lighter, softer feel.
Fresh vs. Shelf-Stable: Opt for fresh gnocchi for a tender bite that melds beautifully with creamy textures, or go with shelf-stable for a firmer chew in hearty dishes. Fresh gnocchi is especially great for quick, creamy recipes like this one.
Go Homemade: Feeling adventurous? Try making your own gnocchi for a fun kitchen project! You can add herbs or infused oils to personalise your dish.
Selecting Peas: Fresh versus Frozen
Fresh Peas: Look for pods that are firm, smooth, and bright green. They should feel heavy, indicating they’re full of juicy peas. Fresh peas are sweet and add a vibrant pop to your dish.
Frozen Peas: A convenient and tasty option, frozen peas are frozen at their peak and maintain excellent flavour and texture. They can be added directly to the dish, no thawing needed.
How to adapt this Creamy Gnocchi with Peas recipe
Revamp your Creamy Gnocchi with Pea & Parmesan with these creative twists to keep the dish vibrant and tantalizing every time you whip it up:
Protein Power-Up: Elevate this dish with some protein-packed additions. Sprinkle crispy prosciutto right before serving for a salty crunch, or mix in flaked smoked salmon at the end to preserve its tender texture. For a more robust meal, consider adding crispy pancetta or grilled chicken for extra heartiness.
Cheese Choices: Parmesan is timeless, but why not mix things up? Experiment with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharp flavour kick, or introduce a mild blue cheese for a touch of boldness. If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl in some goat cheese for a creamy, tangy twist, or smoked gouda for a smoky depth. These cheeses meld seamlessly into the sauce, enriching its flavour profile.
Veggie Variations: Brighten your dish with additional veggies. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet pop of color, artichoke hearts bring a tangy zing, and mushrooms contribute a satisfying earthiness. Each of these vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds layers of flavour that make the dish even more appealing.
These simple adaptations are sure to breathe new life into your Creamy Gnocchi with Pea & Parmesan, making it a versatile favourite for any occasion.
Looking for other gnocchi recipe ideas?
Try one of these favourites:
- Gnocchi Skillet with Feta and Tomatoes
- Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi
- Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Tomatoes and Feta
Easy Creamy Gnocchi with Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Generous pinch of chilli flakes
- 125 ml high-quality chicken broth (or homemade broth)
- 400 g fresh gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons crème fraîche
- 185 g fresh peas shelled (approximately 500g in the pod), or 1 cup of frozen peas
- 2-3 handfuls young spinach, stemmed
- Zest of one organic lemon, finely grated
- Juice of half a lemon, freshly squeezed
- 25 g parmesan, finely grated
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Method
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Fill a large pot with water, season generously with sea salt, and bring it to a simmer.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions and garlic start to soften.
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Pour in the chicken broth and let it reduce gently.
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Meanwhile, add the fresh gnocchi to the simmering pot of water. Blanch for 2 minutes, or until the gnocchi starts to float to the surface, then drain immediately and set aside.
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Once the broth has reduced slightly, reduce the heat slightly and stir in the crème fraîche. Add the peas and the drained gnocchi. Stir the mixture gently for 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are crisp-tender. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1 minute.
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Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated parmesan. Season with sea salt and black pepper, to taste.
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Spoon the creamy gnocchi into bowls, top with a little more grated Parmesan, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.
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